Bransons First Birthday!

Wow! I can't believe that a year has come and gone... it seems like only yesterday we found out we were going to have a little baby and now he is running all over the place! As a one year old, Branson is very busy... He is walking (almost running) everywhere. He started walking right around 10 1/2 months and pretty much gave up crawling immediately. He is so smiley and he loves to giggle. He loves listening to music while bouncing and shaking his head. One of his favorite songs is "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and he is really figuring out the hand motions. Branson just loves praise and is always clapping and smiling for himself when he accomplishes just about anything. We have been working on animal sounds- and he now knows what a Cow, Dog, and Sheep say. He runs to the door when daddy gets home from a hard day of work saying Hi Daaa Hi Daaa Hi Daaaa! His dad is his very favorite- he might even like him more than me. They spend most of their time together wrestling, playing peek-a-boo, hiding in "forts" (blankets over dads head) cuddling, reading books, and more! Branson is also such a good eater and even better at reaching his hand over the highchair to feed his doggy. The dog is finally getting paid back for all his months of licking Branson, with lots of tail pulling and body slams! I am sure I could go on and on about all the wonderful things my baby can do and has done for us. He has been such a joy for Chris and I. We are usually just in awe of him and laughing at all the funny things he does. He has such a sweet personality- and is also such a boy. Although its sad to think about how fast he is growing up, we are also so excited for all that is to come. Every day with Branson is such a blessing. We think we couldn't possibly love Him anymore and then the next day comes and somehow we do.... It's absolutely amazing!

Bransons Cake at his Birthday Party:


BF Jackson helping him out by eating the monkeys ear:

Hanging out with Cousin Taylor and BF Jackson:

Good Friends, The Blocks and The Lundbergs:

Mommy's and Babies (or should I say Toddlers?):

Big Girl Taylor feeding Jackson:

And now Branson:

Mommy and her Monkey Boy:

Grandpa with his precious Grandkids:

The almost Mr and Mrs Durkin:

The Blocks:

Coley, Me, Sarah, My Mom, and Pam:

Grandma and her little boy:

On Branson Actual Birthday, he had fun fingerpainting with his Best Friend Jackson! Messy!

Then I made him a Monkey cake and he loved looking at it, but didn't really like eating it!?!

More from Africa~

Hi Everyone-
Chris emailed again from Africa tonight and he also called me earlier today. He was able to buy a 3 minute phone card so the conversation was short but sweet and it was good to know he was doing well and having an amazing experience in Africa. Thank you to everyone for your continued prayers and support. He has been journaling a lot and taking many pictures which we will post once he gets home! Here is some of his email from today...
"Well its thursday night. A few exciting days have past since we last spoke... on wednesday we went to the crisis nursery where babies 1 day old to 14 months old are taken care of. They are usually dropped off at the door and abandoned by their parents or they are too medically sick for the family to take care of them. I rocked a little one to sleep- they are all so cute! Afterwards we went into the city for a heartwrenching experience. We were praying for people who couldn't get out of thier houses because they are too sick to go and get help. (they live in these awful slums, you can't even imagine!) some of them are literally on thier death beds dying from aids and they can't feel thier legs or some cant eat anymore and won't make it much longer. It was the hardest thing i have ever experienced. I am crying now just typing it.... these people all have children and are mostly the only parent around- so the oldest child takes care of the kids. Usually the oldest is about 15 and they have kids as young as a few months old. It was so sad i couldn't justify or compose myself to take pictures of these slums. Then we went to a care center for aids that a doctor from san diego started about six years ago. He is a christian man who has a heart for these people and with help from God he has been able to help a lot of people! Then we went to dinner at a chinese/indian food place where we ate more goat and various other foods. It was pretty good! I have replaced my mountain dew with orange fanta from the glass bottles....so good...! Then on thursday(today)Chris and I went back to the village to lay brick for the orphans center. The project is really coming along. A lot has been accomplished this week! Chris and i ate offles today- That is goat intestine and stomach... i think. It tasted like salted leather. I got a video of chris eating it. I'm trying to take as many pictures as i can. I know you will want to come here someday! I already know that I want to come back... hopefully."
And That was about all for today... Please pray for safety of the team as they leave Saturday morning to come back to the states- which is late Friday night our time...Thank You!

Sunday in Africa!

I received an email from Chris today:

"We went to church today. It was a pretty normal church in the city. For some reason we weren't able to go to one in the village. It was good though. We went back to the airport to get our luggage today and only half of the bags came. no bags filled with medical supplies arrived. Seems odd i know. And Chris lundbergs personal bag didn't come yet. he still has hopes. i just plan on sharing anything i have with him at this point. Tell everyone to pray that his bag and all of the medical bags arrive. We havent gone to any markets yet, i guess mostly everything is closed on Sunday. So we are just bummin around and sightseeing the city. the poverty resembles parts of mexico with just a lot more people. mostly young kids about 18 and under. You can tell that this place is in such termoil(the villages we are going to are supposed to be much worse) the only shops that were open in the maket were coffin shops. most of them are small, for children and babys. Its so sad..."
That was about it for today from Chris but please keep their team in your prayers as they start working in Chikudzulire (The Village) tomorrow....

Chris Arrives in Africa

Chris sent me an email last night:

"We made it to our hotel in Lilongue."Nelly's House". So far so good, oh except that none of our luggage made it. Hopefully it will be here tomorrow. There is only one plane in a day from where we flew in from. The trip was long but you know you arrived in Africa when you basically land in a cow pasture/desert. I will tell you specifics when I return. It is 8 pm here on sat and we are all going to bed. The jet lag finally hit us. We are going to church tomorrow and then hopefully to the airport to get our bags. Then maybe shopping? We are only going to the village monday through friday when the organization will be there will us..."
Not much had happened since they just barely arrived and were getting settled in. I am sure he will write more soon-or atleast tell his story when he returns. He told me the internet connection is very slow. If you want to email him- its chrisliles04@yahoo.com and I know he would love an email. Chris is especially excited for Monday to roll around because thats when they will be working in the village the Church has adopted and doing whatever else might come their way.... More soon!
Also- there is a blog that is linked to our church that another woman on the trip should be keeping updated if possible. There is more info on past trips and what all is happening there so feel free to check it out: http://malawiblog.terapad.com/

Still Traveling!

I talked to Christopher on the phone this morning and He was in Washington, DC waiting to get on his next flight to Ethiopia. It was already a little hectic with getting bumped off flights and such, but they ended up making it to DC with just enough time to get on their next flight. It was the last time we will be able to talk on the phone for about a week! He was very excited to get to Africa, and should arrive there around 9 am Saturday Morning (Malawi time) which is around midnight Tonight for Arizona time. He has about five different books with him, so I am sure he will have plenty to do for the next 16 hours or so. I will keep this updated as I hear from him. Please Keep Christopher, His team, and the people of Malawi in your prayers! We are excited for all that is going to happen on his trip....

Getting Ready for Malawi, Africa

Christopher leaves for Malawi, Africa this Thursday-July 17th. He is pretty much all packed, immunized, and ready to go. It will take about 24 hours once he leaves on Thursday evening to make it there. He is very excited to see all that the Lord has in store. Please keep him in your prayers during his time traveling and in Africa. He has promised to keep me updated on his trip if it is possible so check back for updates! Thank you all for supporting us both financially and with prayer. We are so thankful to have such loving and supportive friends and families.

Branson Our little Baby Model

So about a month ago Branson had his big modeling debut! Okay, so that's a slight exaggeration but he did get to have some professional pictures taken for a friends website. His pictures were taken by Kimberly Jarman Photography- http://www.kimberlyjarman.com/ - who did an absolutely amazing job. His pictures are also displayed on my friend, Jen Byards website. She more recently started a business called My Three Sons Designs and she makes the cutest handmade baby items! If you are in the market, you should definitely check out her site- http://www.mythreesonsdesigns.com/. Here are a few of the pictures from the shoot... so cute!

Shaynes Wedding

A few weeks ago a great friend from High School- Shayne- got married. It was such a beautiful ceremony and fun night. Shayne looked absolutely gorgeous and was glowing as usual. I had so much fun hanging out with the group from Arcadia and it made me really miss them. Thanks for such a great night everyone- Congratulations to the Singletons!!

Amanda, Me, and Sarah- Two of my best friends EVER!

Kevin and Abby dancing away

Joey and Amanda- and they have the cutest little boy- Joey

Amanda, Me and Shea- DANCE DANCE DANCE!

Me and Suzi- The maid of Honor and the best friend I've ever had


Suz and Austin- They are getting married in October and I can't wait!!

Christopher and Noah- not sure how this happened...
Shea, Me, and Noah at the Valley Ho in Scottsdale

Me, Shea and Amanda having a drink before the reception

Chase and Mandy

Shea and Eric

Admiring Patti- What else??

The nastiest thing ever!

Ok, so this is really gross, and it might make you like Branson a little less, but it makes me laugh so whatever. He had a cold about a month ago and when he sneezed- it ALL came out. How disgusting? I was in the middle of feeding him so he has food on his mouth- he's not usually this dirty!

Lots of Catching up...

Ok, so its been about 6 months since I have posted anything on here and the thought of how much I have to catch up on just makes it harder to post at all.... But I have decided I will just start again from here, and do a brief PHOTO session of the last few months.

As a recap though- Branson is now 8 months old and everday just gets better! I love how fun and adventurous he is now. He started sitting up on his own at 4 months, on to crawling at 6 months, standing up around 7 months and is now scaling the couch and just starting to use his little push around toy that helps him walk! We like to think he is advanced, but either way he is just perfect in our eyes. At six months he poked his first tooth through (his bottom left) and two days ago the one next to it surfaced. We just went to the doctor yesterday as we had an outbreak of Thrush- no fun- and He weighed in at just under 22 pounds. He is finally starting to level off weight wise but he is definitely still a chunk! He has been the BIGGEST blessing in our lives and Christopher and I just love playing with him and cuddling as much as possible. Christopher is such an Amazing daaada and Branson just lights up everytime he sees him. They play so well together and its the cutest thing in the world the way he gets him laughing so hard. Ok, I am sure I could go on forever but i know all people really want is the pictures, right??

Christopher and His Sister Brittany Celebrate their 22nd and 26th Birthdays

Christopher and I celebrated our 4th Anniversary by spending a night at a beautiful hotel in North Scottsdale. We got massages, layed by the pool, had an amazing dinner and just got to spend some time together without the baby for once. It was very relaxing but we definitely missed little B.

Last month Christopher was Baptized and Branson had his Baby Dedication and it was a very special day. All of our family and a few of our good friends were able to share in the occasion which meant so much to us. Christopher has been a Christian since high school but never took the chance to be baptized until now. Thanks to everyone who was there with us supporting our family. We are extremely fortunate to be so encouraged by those around us!

For the past couple weeks Branson was in swim lessons at the local city pool and he truly hated it at first. I am not sure how much he learned, but atleast now he loves the water and loves splashing all around. On the last day they put the babies down a little slide and he did such a good job. He even stayed upright the whole time!

Our First Diamondbacks Game. Branson loved all the people and the noise, but obviously had no idea what was going on in the game. He stayed pretty entertained and was a trooper the whole time. It has been nice that he has finally gotten to an age where he can go places and be so good. Its been nice for Christopher and I to get out more and do some of the things we used to love!

Swimming at Grandma and Grandpas House and LOVING it!

Hanging out with his cousin- Taylor
Bransons six month Check up.... he's growing up TOO fast!

Branson the first time we caught him pulling himself to a standing position at 7 months- Big Boy!

His favorite way to crawl around at first, but he's moved on to the more traditional position now..

MY BROTHERS WEDDING!

On May 10th, 2008- My little Brother got married to Cindy and we are so happy for him. We got to know Cindy better on that trip and more recently when she came to stay and she is such a sweet and cute girl. They are so in love with eachother and are so happy to get to share in this life as one. As they started their marriage, Cindy became and Christian and they are spending a lot of their time doing bible studies and setting a wonderful foundation. In August, they will have their first child- a baby girl! Bransons second cousin! We are so excited and can't wait to meet the little bundle- who by the way will have my middle name :)

And a bunch of random pictures of Branson the last few months....

(This one he is about 5 months)

(Playing with BFF Jackson- about 7 months)


(Oh the poopyness-every mothers dream)

(Cuteness sucking his thumb at 5 months- a rare occasion now)

( Hanging out at Target, just another day in the life of Branson and Jackson)

(At a hotel in cali- our little angel- 7 months)

(Loving his daddy- about 6 months)

(Playing with a bowl- and could he be any fatter? He literally got stuck in his bumbo, I had to pry him out- he is probably about 4 months here)

(This is Christophers favorite outfit- daddys little golfing buddy- about 6 months)

Playing in the grass- and trying to eat as much as possible- 7 months


-Loving being naked! 7 months old-

Learning to use his sippy cup but somehow spilling it everywhere! I thought these things were leak proof??

This is what trying to change a diaper has become- he is such a little squirmer! 7.5 months

His first tastes of food- sweet potatos- about 5 months.

Playing with Grandma on his cousins tractor- he is all boy! 6.5 motnhs

So chubby- its sometimes shocking!

Grandpa giving feeding a try- but he has plenty of expreience with Taylor

This doesn't happen much- and I think its the cutest thing in the world!

Hanging out with the Old Man himself- since my dad is living with me now these two are really getting a chance for some bonding.

Branson went through a phase where he loved balloons, but now he is scared of them?

Bathtime!and the dry-off

Leave it to dad to do the dressing and we almost always end up like this!

Branson loves dogs, he generally squeals with excitement whenever he sees them. Here he is with our friends puppy, getting a little bath...

His big boy umbrella stroller, and so much easier for mom!!

Hanging out in Frys with Taylor

His first time cuddling with his dino- and I am pretty sure it was his last- but so precious!

(Just chilling- about 6 months)

Happy Baby- around 4 months

Sleeping with Grandma- a regular event- about 6.5 months

(Chair of fun- around 6 months)

(Cuddling with daddy- so cute)

Auntie Pam trying to remember how to feed a baby

Cuteness!

Learning to self feed- and he's definitely got it down!

Playing in the park with bubbles- 7 months

Later at the park reading stories with Schmee..

Bathtime is so fun- and yes the water is pink but it was supposed to be red.

Water coloring tablets... what will they think of next?

Trying to eat some toes

Sleeping in the shopping cart- very rare!

Smiley Boy



This was around 4 months when he discovered he had toes

Hanging out with Taylor- so random and ancient looking- how did that happen?

His first fish- he slept right through it!

The bouncy chair at about 5 months, but he only recently started really bouncing